India concerned over North Korean rocket launch

New Delhi: India on Monday expressed "deep concern" over the launch of a rocket by North Korea on Sunday.

"The DPRK (Democratic People' Republic of Korea) rocket launch of February 7 is a matter of deep concern," the external affairs ministry said in a statement. "While countries have the right to exploit outer space for peaceful purposes, this must be in accordance with international obligations," it said.

"We call upon the DPRK to refrain from such actions, which adversely affect peace and stability in the region."

The launch, the first since December 2012, came one month after North Korea tested what it claimed to be its first hydrogen bomb.

Many countries including the US and South Korea have sought fresh sanctions since the nuclear test on January 6.